Man In Wheelchair Killed In Fayetteville Collision

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — An 80-year-old man in a wheelchair was hit and killed by a car Monday while attempting to cross Ramsey Street.

According to police, the driver of the vehicle that struck the victim also uses a wheelchair.

The wheelchair traveled about 100 feet after being struck by a Cadillac about 9 a.m. Monday.

The victim was identified as Hubert McDonald.

Apparently, McDonald was on his way to the VA Hospital just a block or two away. Relatives said that is where he spent most of his time, seeing doctors and singing on Sundays.

He was not crossing the road at an intersection or designated crosswalk.

Julia Crews was a witness. She swerved to avoid hitting McDonald.

"I was on my way to work, and he was crossing," said Crews, who trembled as she described the accident. "As I came up to him (McDonald), he came out to the center lane, and I swerved to avoid him. But the Cadillac couldn't swerve. He had no choice.

"It was terrible. I can still see it."

The driver of the Cadillac was identified as Matthew Lamon.

"He (McDonald) was coming across the road, and I did not see him," Lamon said. "I killed a perfectly innocent man. I don't feel good about that at all."

Officers took photographs of the scene as people comforted Lamon.

"The law states that you're supposed to cross at the crosswalk or intersection," said Sgt. Mike Todd, of the Fayetteville Police Department. "That's why we stress that point. Use these intersections."

McDonald's stepdaughter, Freida Cogwell, said he loved gardening, singing and -- above all -- being a World War II vet and father.

"We called him 'Pop,'" Cogwell said. "He was just like a dad, a father to me, because he looked out for me. He did things for me and my children."